Rosh Hashana typically is a solidly autumnal holiday, falling sometimes as late as October. But this year, the Jewish New Year comes early - the first week of September, a time when summer's bounty is still fresh for much of the country.

Purim has been summed up in this way: They tried to kill us, we won, so let's eat!
Of course, the actual story is a bit more complex than that, but the simple fact is that for Jews who love to cook and eat, this holiday is a favorite.